> HISTORY OF ESRIC
Founded in 2020, ESRIC emerged from Luxembourg’s ambitious SpaceResources.lu initiative and the country’s early legal framework for space-resources regulation.
Founded by the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), it became the first centre of its kind in Europe: bringing research, business support, and community building together under one roof.
Since its inception, ESRIC has grown from an idea into a thriving hub of activity.
It supports cutting-edge research, helps start-ups develop new technologies, and connects experts from across the world to share knowledge and build partnerships.
> OUR STRUCTURE
The European Space Resources Innovation Centre in Luxembourg was established in August 2020 by the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) as a national innovation centre in the field of space resources.
The European Space Agency (ESA) joined ESRIC in November 2020 as a strategic partner.
The creation of ESRIC follows a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of space resources that was signed between ESA and the Government of Luxembourg in November 2019. It is part of the SpaceResources.lu initiative launched by the Government of in 2016 with the aim to create a favourable ecosystem for the development of activities related to the exploration and use of space resources.
> OUR PILLARS
Research
ESRIC advances mission-driven research on how space resources can be used responsibly and sustainably. From developing new technologies to testing them in realistic conditions, our work bridges science and application — for space and for Earth.
Commercialisation
Through programmes like the Start-up Support Programme and the Space Resources Accelerator, ESRIC helps entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into viable technologies. We connect innovators with partners, funding, and facilities to grow the space resources economy.
Community
ESRIC brings together researchers, industry, and institutions to share knowledge and shape the future of space resources. Through events like Space Resources Week and international collaborations, we build a strong, open, and responsible global community.
> OUR GOVERNANCE
The Strategic Partnership Coordination Committee (SPCC)
Composed of representatives from ESRIC’s strategic partners — including LSA, ESA, and other public institutions directly involved in its development — the SPCC serves as a coordination and strategic guidance forum. It provides direction on long-term goals, monitors progress, and supports joint decision-making across institutional partners.
The Steering Committee (SC)
The SC ensures oversight of ESRIC’s mission, strategy, and implementation. It reviews activities, evaluates progress towards key objectives, and advises on priorities across research, commercialisation, and community-building. The committee acts as the link between strategic guidance and operational execution.
The Advisory Board
The Advisory Board brings together renowned experts from public institutions, academia, and industry, representing the full spectrum of the global space resources community — including both space and non-space sectors. It provides independent advice to ESRIC’s management and partners, fostering excellence, openness, and cross-sector collaboration in all areas of activity.
Together, these three bodies ensure that ESRIC remains focused, transparent, and forward-looking — a trusted European centre of excellence advancing the responsible and sustainable use of space resources.
> WHO WE ARE
Research team
Commercialisation and Community
Doctoral Researchers
Research Support
Interns
Check out our latest job openings: